Energy detection warning device

ABSTRACT

A device includes a housing, one or more sensors configured to detect at least one of a voltage or a current in proximity to the device, one or more lighting elements configured to output light responsive to the one or more sensors detecting the at least one of the voltage or the current in proximity to the device, one or more speakers configured to output audio responsive to the one or more sensors detecting the at least one of the voltage or the current in proximity to the device, one or more network interfaces configured to communicatively couple the device to one or more additional devices, and one or more fastening mechanisms configured to secure the device to a surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/746,682, filed May 17, 2022, which is acontinuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/322,343, filed May 17, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,579,174, issuedFeb. 14, 2023, which is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/809,958, filed Nov. 10, 2017, now U.S.Pat. No. 11,009,532, issued May 18, 2021, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/534,922, filed Jul. 20, 2017,entitled “Energy Detection Warning Device,” and which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/432,817, filed Dec. 12, 2016,entitled “Energy Detection Device;” which applications are herebyincorporated in their entireties by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates to a device that provides a safety warningnotification (alert, alarm, warning, etc.) to a user of the device whenthe user approaches an energized conductor. Further, the devicedescribed herein may provide a notification indicating an approximatedirection to the energized conductor relative to an orientation of thedevice with the user.

Description of the Related Art

Since the discovery of the ability to harness and manipulate electricalenergy, electrical power has been in high-demand worldwide. In somecases, energy industry workers are setting up new power systems toprovide power to places not yet connected. In other cases, workers areupdating or enhancing established systems, or repairing and/orrebuilding power systems damaged by natural causes and/or accidentalevents. Yet, still in other cases, workers may be tasked with removing apower system from an area where power is no longer needed or desired.Regardless of the task, energy workers are constantly engaging inactivities surrounding power systems that have inherent dangers viawhich the workers could be harmed.

Despite the safety regulations and practices designed to preventaccidents in the energy industry, individuals are still injured andkilled. In a recent year, the annual death toll for electricity relateddeaths was still above 130 in the U.S. alone. Thus, additional safetymeasures are needed.

Conventional devices that provide a personal warning of a high voltagerisk are often bulky, analog devices. Some conventional devices may beworn around a worker's neck, or clipped to a front pocket, hat, or beltof the user, but can be cumbersome due to the size. In one instance, aconventional device is built directly into the worker's hat. Theconventional devices generally produce simple warnings based only on thedetection of the presence of one of a nearby electric or magnetic field,often only once a particular field strength threshold is detected. Insome cases, the conventional devices are overly-sensitive and lead tounnecessary warnings.

Accordingly, conventional devices have several problems and limitations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items. Furthermore, the drawings may be considered asproviding an approximate depiction of the relative sizes of theindividual components within individual figures. However, the drawingsare not to scale, and the relative sizes of the individual components,both within individual figures and between the different figures, mayvary from what is depicted. In particular, some of the figures maydepict components as a certain size or shape, while other figures maydepict the same components on a larger scale or differently shaped forthe sake of clarity.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of the interaction between a fieldsignal and an energy detection warning device according to an embodimentof the instant disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an electrical schematic of an embodiment of an energydetection warning device.

FIG. 3 illustrates an electrical schematic of an embodiment of a signalprocess flow in an energy detection warning device.

FIG. 4 illustrates an electrical schematic of an embodiment of a signalprocess flow that may occur within the microcontroller of an energydetection warning device.

FIG. 5 illustrates an electrical schematic of an embodiment of a signalprocess flow that may occur within the microcontroller of an energydetection warning device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of an antennaarrangement for directional sensing of electromagnetic fields.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a user wearing a wearable embodimentof an energy detection warning device, and a bottom view of a hat withthe device attached thereto.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an energy detection warningdevice according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure in FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom, top, and side view of the energy detectionwarning device of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the instantdisclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic component view of the energy detectionwarning device of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the instantdisclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates another schematic component view of the energydetection warning device of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of theinstant disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates variations of embodiments of electric field sensorsaccording to the instant disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic component view of an embodiment of asensor according to the instant disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates the effects of a magnetometer and flux concentratoraccording to an embodiment of the instant disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a user in an environment with a hidden energizedconductor and graphs related to the measured field when a wearableenergy detection warning device is tilted and rotated according to anembodiment of the instant disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic representation of a mealy finite statemachine used for voltage directional detection as used in an embodimentof the instant disclosure.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example scenario of a user in the presence of amagnetic field and graphs related to the measurement and data associatedwith the detection of the magnetic field used for directional detectionof current-carrying wire, according to an embodiment of the instantdisclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of a control flow process schematicaccording to the instant disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates schematic representations and graphs correlating toan embodiment of a directional sensing process according to the instantdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

The following disclosure describes various features and concepts forimplementation in an energy detection warning device. That is, while thedisclosure describes “an” or “the” energy detection warning device, thearticle (e.g., “a,” “an,” or “the”) used preceding “energy detectionwarning device” is not intended to indicate a limitation of the featuresof the device itself, unless otherwise so stated. Indeed, multipleembodiments of an energy detection warning device may be possible byusing one or more of the various features and concepts in varyingimplementations and/or combinations. For example, while the figures maydepict an embodiment of a wearable energy detection warning device, itis contemplated that one or more features and concepts described hereinas related to the wearable device may be implemented in othernon-wearable embodiments, such as, for example, an embodiment of thefeatures built in to a vehicle configured to alert occupants of avehicle of potential risks.

Additionally, it is noted that throughout the disclosure, the terms“device,” “warning device,” “energy detection device,” “wearabledevice,” and “energy detection warning device” may be usedinterchangeably to refer to one or more varying embodiments of theaforementioned “energy detection warning device.”

An energy detection warning device as disclosed herein may have aprimary function of detecting nearby energized conductors and alertingusers to the presence thereof via one or more sensory notifications.Such notifications are issued with the intent to reduce the occurrenceof injuries due to electrocution. This goal may be realized when thewarning device is used in an environment where the location of anenergized conductor may be unknown. Thus, a wearable embodiment of thedevice may greatly benefit utility linemen, electricians, disasterrelief personnel, etc. Further, the device may be sufficiently compactto be worn in a variety of places without inconveniencing the user orcausing uncomfortableness.

In an embodiment, a wearable energy detection warning device may beclipped onto the brim of a hat, which may provide advantages indetection and location indication due to relative stability inorientation. While this embodiment that clips to a hat may be wornelsewhere on a user's clothes or body via the same or similar clippingaction, it is contemplated that the energy detection warning device maybe structured in other configurations (different than shown) withdifferent connection means (not shown), which may be more compatiblewith securing in places to a user's clothes or body (not shown) otherthan the brim of a hat. In such alternative embodiments, it iscontemplated that features and processes executed by the energydetection warning device may be the same or similar to those describedherein. Moreover, it is also understood that in such alternativestructural configurations, that the processes described herein may bemodified compared to those described herein below to compensate for thechange in structure and/or difference in relative positioning, etc.Thus, an energy detection warning device may be formed in otherstructural embodiments including, but not limited to, a structureconfigured to be worn on a user's wrist (not shown). It further followsthat the arrangement and orientation of internal components in awrist-worn embodiment may be altered from the description herein toadjust for differences that may exist in the manner of detectionaccording to common movements of a user's wrist, as compared tomovements of a user's head on which a hat bearing a warning device sits.

Regardless of structural configuration, in an embodiment, the locationof an energized conductor may be detected by converting an analog signalinto a digital signal, and a safety notification may be initiated toalert a user to the presence and location of a hazardous energizedconductor. Even if the precise distance between an energized conductorand the device is not easily determined, the detection device provides auser with a “sixth sense” of the existence of potentially harmfulenergized conductor within a particular proximity around the user. Thus,the energy detection warning device may enhance safety in a workenvironment and assist a worker when working around high-voltageequipment.

The energy detection warning device may use any combination of visual,auditory, or tactile notifications to alert the user when approachingand/or entering a particular proximity of an energized conductor. Thewarning notifications may be initiated via a signal issued by amicrocontroller (also referred to herein as the central processing unit“CPU,” which includes several hardware and/or software componentsdescribed further herein below). On a high level, the warning device mayimplement sensors (e.g., one or more antenna components) that areconfigured to detect/sense an energized conductor with a given proximitythereof. In an embodiment, the particular proximity, which a warningnotification may be initiated, may be defined, for example, as adistance of about six times the Occupational Safety & HealthAdministration (“OSHA”) standard Minimum Approach Distance (“MAD”)between a user and an energized conductor. The MAD varies with respectto the voltage of the detected field. The distance of the particularproximity around the energized conductor may vary, ranging from 10 timesthe MAD to less than 6 times the MAD. Although the warning device may beprogrammed to be triggered at distances less than the MAD standards setby OSHA, such an embodiment may be considered unsafe and therefore, notpractical.

It is noted that many, if not all, energized conductors may be dangerousdepending on the circumstances. However, the risk of harm increases asthe potential energy to be released increases (i.e., higher voltagerelates to greater potential for serious physical harm); and as theamount of electrical energy in the proximity increases, the magnitude ofthe field signal to be detected likewise increases, thereby enabling thedevice to detect high voltage carrying conductors at greater distances.Regardless, the energy detection warning device may be configured todetect electric or magnetic fields having at least a minimumpredetermined magnitude to thereby indicate that a greater risk of harmis possible. In an example, as a user wearing a wearable energydetection warning device approaches a standard, properly-functioningelectrical wall outlet, where the risk of harm is low for a worker, thedevice is not likely to initiate a warning unless the device is placedat the height level of and within a few inches of the outlet. Incontrast, in an embodiment of an energy detection warning deviceconfigured to issue a warning notification within six times the MAD, asa user wearing the energy detection warning device approaches a livewire carrying 1.1 KV or greater, the energy detection warning device mayinitiate a warning when the user comes within approximately 12 feet ofthe live wire (assuming the MAD is about 24-25 inches), for example.

In the event a user approaches an energized conductor, the knowledgethat the conductor exists nearby is helpful. However, without having anidea of where the conductor is, the mere knowledge that the conductor issomewhere close may not be sufficient to adequately protect the user, asthe energized conductor may be hidden or unnoticeable until it is toolate, and the user could be injured. Accordingly, as described herein,beyond merely detecting the presence of an energized conductor, theenergy detection warning device of the instant disclosure may also alertthe user of the direction in which the energized conductor is locatedrelative to the orientation of the device along with a risk level ofelectrocution. As a user is moving in an area, the device may use one ormore warning notification components to further indicate the approximatedirection of the energized conductor from the device, whether to theleft or right of the user, or directly in front of or behind the device,as it is oriented on a user.

Inasmuch as energized conductors may emit an electric field due to thecharge on the conductor, and a magnetic field due to current flowingthrough the conductor, the energy detection warning device describedherein may be configured to detect electric fields and/or magneticfields. Using historical data of one or both of the detected fields, thewarning device may approximate the directionality of an energizedconductor with respect to the position of the device.

For example, in a wearable embodiment, in which the device is clipped tothe front of the user's hat, the device may determine an absoluteorientation for the device based, at least in part, on the gravitationalvector and the earth's magnetic field vector, similar to how a compassfunctions to determine magnetic north. Once the absolute orientation isdetermined, the movement of the user, either by moving the user's entirebody (e.g., walking, running, being transported, etc.) or simplyrotating or tilting the user's head, may be determined relative to theabsolute orientation, and if, during the movement, an electric and/or amagnetic field signal is detected, one or more warning notificationcomponents (e.g., auditory, visual, sensory) may be activated toindicate the direction in which the peak of the electric and/or magneticfield is detected.

In an embodiment, upon detection of an energized conductor, an energydetection warning device may actuate one or more LEDs to orient the userto the relative direction of the energized conductor. This may beachieved, for example, by: illuminating a series of LEDs at increasinglevels of brightness sequentially disposed across the device in thedirection of the energized conductor, such that the brightest LED islocated on the side of the device corresponding to the direction of theenergized conductor; illuminating one or more LEDs with graduallyincreasing brightness levels as a group, as the device is orientedtoward the direction of the energized conductor; illuminating a seriesof LEDs, either fully on or intermittently fully on/off, in a sequenceacross the device in the direction of the energized conductor;illuminating, either fully on or intermittently fully on/off, one ormore LEDs disposed on a side of the device corresponding to the relativedirection of the energized conductor; or a combination of more than oneof the aforementioned examples, etc. Further, as the device moves withthe user in the direction indicated, the device may alter the actuationof the one or more LEDs when the device is oriented in substantialalignment with the direction in which the peak of the electric and/ormagnetic field is detected. An alteration of the actuation may include,for example actions such as the device may: stop illuminating the seriesof LEDs sequentially; fully illuminate the one or more LEDssimultaneously; slow the illumination sequence; stop illuminating theone or more LEDs completely, etc.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, upon detection of an energizedconductor, an energy detection warning device may actuate one or morevibrational motors to orient the user to the relative direction of theenergized conductor. This may be achieved, for example, by: actuating aseries of vibrational motors at increasing levels of vibrationalintensity sequentially disposed across the device in the direction ofthe energized conductor, such that the most intensely vibrating motor islocated on the side of the device corresponding to the direction of theenergized conductor; actuating one or more vibrational motors withgradually increasing intensity levels as a group, as the device isoriented toward the direction of the energized conductor; actuating aseries of vibrational motors at a similar intensity, either on orintermittently on/off, in a sequence, sequentially across the device inthe direction of the energized conductor; actuating one or morevibrational motors disposed on a side of the device corresponding to therelative direction of the energized conductor; or a combination of morethan one of the aforementioned examples, etc. Further, as the devicemoves with the user in the direction indicated, the device may alter theactuation of the one or more vibrational motors when the device isoriented in substantial alignment with the direction in which the peakof the electric and/or magnetic field is detected. An alteration of theactuation may include, for example actions such as the device may: stopactuating the vibrational motors sequentially; fully activate allvibrational motors simultaneously; slow the vibrational sequence; stopvibration of the vibrational motors completely, etc.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, upon detection of an energizedconductor, an energy detection warning device may initiate one or moreauditory signals, via a speaker for example, to orient the user to therelative direction of the energized conductor. This may be achieved byemitting a sound or language, for example, by: actuating a series ofspeakers at increasing levels of volume sequentially disposed across thedevice in the direction of the energized conductor, such that theloudest speaker is located on the side of the device corresponding tothe direction of the energized conductor; actuating one or more speakerswith gradually increasing tonality and/or intensity levels as a group,as the device is oriented toward the direction of the energizedconductor, and the tone and/or intensity may be highest when the user islooking directly at the direction of the energized conductor (asassociated with the highest measured energy field value); actuating aseries of speakers at a similar intensity, either on or intermittentlyon/off, in a sequence, sequentially across the device in the directionof the energized conductor; actuating one or more speakers disposed on aside of the device corresponding to the relative direction of theenergized conductor; actuating a speaker to state the direction verbally(e.g., right, left, ahead, behind, etc.); sending a sound or verbaldirection to headphones on a user (not shown) in one or both sides; or acombination of more than one of the aforementioned examples, etc.Further, as the device moves with the user in the direction indicated,the device may alter the actuation of the one or more speakers when thedevice is oriented in substantial alignment with the direction in whichthe peak of the electric and/or magnetic field is detected. Analteration of the actuation may include, for example actions such as thedevice may: stop actuating the speakers sequentially; fully activate allspeakers simultaneously; slow the auditory sequence; stop actuation ofthe speakers completely, etc.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, upon detection of an energizedconductor, an energy detection warning device may actuate one or moredigital displays to orient the user to the relative direction of theenergized conductor. This may be achieved, for example, by: actuating anLED-illuminated display to depict the words “left,” “right,” “front,”“back,” etc., or simply an arrow pointing toward the side of the devicecorresponding to the direction of the energized conductor; or othervisually descriptive display of location; or a combination of more thanone of the aforementioned examples, etc. Further, as the device moveswith the user in the direction indicated, the device may alter theactuation of the one or more digital displays when the device isoriented in substantial alignment with the direction in which the peakof the electric and/or magnetic field is detected. An alteration of theactuation may include, for example actions such as the device may: stopactuating the digital display, display a different indicative symbol(e.g., a squiggly line, a stop sign, an exclamation point, etc.),illuminate the entire display continuously or flashing, etc.

In an embodiment, the energy detection warning device may implement anadaptive sensitivity detection (“ASD”) process. Broadly stated, thedevice detection sensitivity adapts to the environment to be usefulwithout being excessive so that users do not become annoyed withunnecessary notifications and end up removing the device. As such, thewarning device may function sensitively in an electromagnetic field(“EMF”) free area, as well as in an EMF intense area (e.g., a powersubstation). In an embodiment using the ASD process, the device mayissue alert notifications based on the historical changes in thedetected field(s) from an energized conductor. That is, as a user entersa particular proximity where an electric and/or magnetic field isdetectable, the warning device measures a positive change in thedetected field. Upon detecting the positive change, the warning devicemay initiate a warning notification that lasts for a predeterminedamount of time, (e.g., about 10 seconds, about 20 seconds, about 30seconds, etc.). At the end of the predetermined time period, theoperating threshold may be adjusted to the detected level of the EMF inthe current environment. Thereafter, each time the user gets closer tothe energized conductor, an additional positive change in the detectedfield is measured, and a warning notification is again issued. In anembodiment, the activation threshold for the warning notificationintensity may scale with the adjusted operational threshold, so thatwarning notifications more closely follow the naturally-occurringexponential-curve shape of the measured EMF.

Using ASD, the warning device may detect an energized conductor within aparticular proximity of the energized conductor. The device may befurther configured such that, after emitting a warning notification forthe detection of the energized conductor at that particular proximityfor a predetermined time period, the device adapts the warning processto the current detected level of voltage such that no warningnotification is issued again to the user while the device remains withinthe same proximity. In an embodiment, the device using ASD may befurther configured such that a subsequent warning notification is notinitiated unless: 1) the device warning notification threshold is reset,either automatically or manually by a user (e.g., a user stays withinthe same proximity of the energized conductor as when the previouswarning notification was initiated); 2) the proximity of the device tothe energized conductor is decreased (e.g., the user moves closer to theconductor with the device); or 3) the device re-adapts to a lowerdetected level of voltage before detecting the previously detected levelof voltage again (e.g., the user moves away from the conductor with thedevice and then reenters the particular proximity).

Accordingly, in an embodiment implementing ASD, a user who is workingsubstantially in a static location for a length of time greater than thepredetermined time period of the warning notification, (e.g., a linemanwho is working at the top of a utility pole in an essentially staticposition with respect to a live line for an extended time period), neednot be subjected to extended or endless warning notifications since thelineman is neither able to leave the particular proximity in which thewarning notification was initiated, nor is the lineman getting anycloser to the conductor. Additionally, the energy detection warningdevice may include an actuatable member (e.g., button, switch, etc.)that the user can manually actuate to terminate the warning notificationprior to the end of the predetermined time period. The button mayadditionally, and/or alternatively, be actuated to cause the device toinstantly adapt to the new detected voltage level.

As it may be desired to ensure that an energy detection warning deviceis properly functioning prior to use on a job, a self-test feature maybe incorporated in an embodiment of the device. More specifically, themicrocontroller may periodically apply small-scale test signals to thesensor(s) (e.g., electric and/or magnetic field sensors), to ensure thatthe sensor(s) is/are operating correctly. Inasmuch as the sensor(s) maybe susceptible to over-exposure after use, the self-test may be appliedto determine whether the device should be used.

Additionally, in an embodiment, the warning device may record on memory,built into the warning device, data regarding the use of the warningdevice. Such data may include, but is not limited to: the identificationof the user, the duration of use, the manner of use (e.g., orientationof device during use, quantity of warnings issued, user compliance towarning notifications, etc.), errors encountered, geographic location ofthe device and location where warning notifications were issued, etc.This data may be collected and organized by the warning device and/or bya receiving device intended to receive the data. The data may betransferred via a wired or wireless transfer to the receiving device.The data may further be analyzed by the receiving device and/or the datamay be further transferred to a server for further and/or additionalanalysis. The data may include information to analyze work-place safetymetrics to evaluate the safety practices of workers. Examples ofpossible receiving devices may include a cell phone, tablet, laptop,desktop computer, or any other electronic device capable of receivingthe data. Furthermore, the warning device may be equipped with ahardwire connection and/or wireless data transfer hardware and/orsoftware in order to transfer the data out of the warning device, atwhich point the memory may be wiped and reset to store additional data.In an embodiment, the warning device may use Bluetooth® technology totransfer the data from the warning device to a receiving deviceconstantly or intermittently.

Illustrative Embodiments of an Energy Detection Warning Device

A schematic view of an embodiment of an energy detection warning device100 is shown in FIG. 1 . Device 100 may include one or more fielddetection sensors 102 configured to detect a field signal FS that is atleast one of an electric field signal or a magnetic field signal. Upondetection of a field signal FS by the one or more field detectionsensors 102, the detected signal may be passed to an amplifier 104,which is configured to amplify the detected signal. The amplified signalmay then pass to a CPU 106 (e.g., microcontroller). CPU 106 may processthe amplified signal via an analog-to-digital converter 108 (“ADC”). Theconverted digital signal may then be further processed via a digitalfilter 110. Once filtered, the CPU 106 determines whether to issue awarning notification via notification system 112 which may compare thesignal to a predetermined threshold signal, as well as processing thesignal with the historical measurements of the signal (described furtherherein). Additional hardware and or process modules 130 such as memory,may be implemented to assist the functions of CPU 106.

Upon a determination that a warning notification should be initiated,CPU 106 may execute an operation to cause one or more notificationcomponents 114 to begin a warning notification, as discussed in detailabove. For example, one or more of notification components 114 mayinclude, but are not limited to: one or more LEDs 116, one or morespeakers 118, one or more vibration motors 120, or one or more digitaldisplays 122.

In an embodiment, the one or more field detection sensors 102 mayinclude capacitively-couple antennas to detect field signal FS anddetermine directionality of where field signal FS originates. Conductionmay be used to sense the presence of an energized conductor through ahigh-voltage insulator. In general, no material is a perfect insulator,and thus, at least a small amount of current conducts through theinsulator. This “small” amount may be measured and detected by an energydetection warning device 100, according to an embodiment describedherein.

In FIG. 2 , greater details of an embodiment of an energy detectionwarning device 200 are depicted in an electrical schematic. A fielddetection sensor 202 is configured to measure the field signal FS froman energized conductor EC. For example, the field detection sensor 202may include at least one of: one or more capacitively coupled antennasto measure the electric field, one or more inductively coupled antennasto measure the magnetic field, or a magnetometer. Antennas and/or amagnetometer are provided to assist in determining the direction of thefield signal FS with respect to the device. Thus, in the presence offield signal FS, a variation of charge on the energized conductor ECinduces “coupled” variation (with opposite charge) on the fielddetection sensor 202, such as a capacitive antenna.

Thereafter, the measured field signal FS may then be passed through alow pass filter 204 to extract a 60 Hz term, which is directlycorrelated to a power-system's frequency. Further, for detecting smallersignals, the signal may be amplified by an amplifier 206, which improvessignal quality and increases signal magnitude. Signal conditioning maybe performed by a DC offset module 208 to make the signal compatiblewith a microcontroller 210.

Microcontroller 210 may implement an analog-to-digital-converter 212 toturn the measured signal, which is an analog value, into a digital valuethat is further processed using software algorithms and/or additionalhardware, collectively depicted as box 214.

Upon receipt of a converted digital signal, microcontroller 210 furtherprocesses the signal to activate the notification system. FIG. 3 depictsan embodiment of a schematic 300 showing elements of a microcontrollerto further refine the signal, for example, and fulfill one or morefunctions of the software algorithms and/or additional hardware depictedas box 214 in FIG. 2 .

With respect to the converted digital signal, as seen in FIG. 3 , afilter 302 may be applied to yield only the coupled 60 Hz signal fromthe power system. In an embodiment, filter 302 may include a DC notchfilter and a low-pass filter. Following filter 302, theroot-mean-squared (RMS) value of the signal (also known as the DCequivalent) may be calculated in RMS module 304. The filtered, RMS valuemay then pass to a sensory adaptation and change detection logic module306. At module 306, the history of the detected values may be analyzedwith respect to a Short-Window AVG (SWA) and a Long-Window AVG (LWA),where “AVG” represents the average detected field signal within aprevious time period. As represented in the inset graph (Time (t) v.RMS_(V_antenna)) in FIG. 3 , the average signal detected of the SWA isdetermined using the average detected field signal for a firstpredetermined time period looking backwards from the instant time duringthe time of use of the device. Further, the average signal detected ofthe LWA is determined using the average detected field signal for asecond predetermined time period looking backwards from the instanttime. The second predetermined time period is longer than the firstpredetermined time period and overlaps the first predetermined timeperiod. After the SWA and LWA are calculated, the differencetherebetween is outputted for further evaluation with respect to anotification. That is, the difference (i.e., ΔRMS_(History)) between SWAand LWA may be calculated to detect a change in the normal measuredsignal in an environment where the device is being used, and, based atleast in part on a detected change, the energy detection warning devicemay initiate a warning notification.

As mentioned above, an embodiment of the energy detection warning devicemay include an adaptive sensitivity detection (“ASD”) process feature.In the event that the distance between the device and the energizedconductor remain substantially the same for a given amount of time,and/or in the event that the measured signal remains constant, theoutput of module 306 normalizes (i.e., the change between SWA and LWAapproaches zero). When the output of module 306 normalizes, the energydetection warning device adapts to the new environment, and a newwarning notification will not be initiated so long as the output ofmodule 306 remains substantially constant. However, if there is a suddenchange in the signal, the output of module 306 will be non-zero, and anew notification warning may be initiated.

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic 400 of the signal process flow that may occurwithin the microcontroller of the device for determining whether toinitiate a warning notification. In an embodiment, a warningnotification may be initiated when the ΔRMS_(History) value exceeds apredetermined threshold ΔV_(TH1) for a predetermined amount of timet_(TH1). In some instances, the signal process flow of FIG. 4 mayimprove the reliability of the device and may also reduce unnecessarywarning notifications. Note, the ΔRMS_(History) used as input in FIG. 4was previously determined and output as described with respect to FIG. 3. Additionally, when the ΔRMS_(History) value is less than the thresholdΔV_(TH1) or less than the threshold ΔV_(TH1) for the predeterminedamount of time t_(TH1), the timer is reset.

Similar to FIG. 4 , FIG. 5 depicts a schematic 500 of the signal processflow that may occur within the microcontroller of the device fordetermining whether to initiate a subsequent warning notification (N),where the prior warning notification is represented by N−1. In anembodiment, an energy detection warning device may initiate subsequentwarning notifications in stages, and/or alternatively, in response tothe changes in detected levels in accordance with the ASD processfeature discussed above. For example, a subsequent warning notificationmay be initiated when the ΔRMS_(History) value exceeds a predeterminedthreshold ΔV_(THn) for a predetermined amount of time t_(THn).Additionally, when the ΔRMS_(History) value is less than the thresholdΔV_(THn) or less than the threshold ΔV_(THn) for the predeterminedamount of time t_(THn), the timer is reset.

Illustrative Embodiment of Directional Sensing for a Warning Device

Referencing an embodiment of an energy detection warning device 600 asdepicted in FIG. 6 , since 1) the amplitude of the coupled signal relieson the capacitive coupling of the conductor to the capacitive plate, and2) the capacitive coupling relies on the distance to the energizedconductor, the direction of origin of the coupled signal relative to theenergy detection warning device 600 may be made by using the amplitudeof the signals received on capacitive antennas 602.

Using the RMS values for the signals detected on each of the capacitiveantennas 602, a directional vector of the detected signal may becalculated using the RMS value of each respective antenna 602 as acomponent in the +i (pi), −i (ni), +j (pj), and −j (nj) directions, asdepicted in FIG. 6 , and as input in Equation 1 below.

Coupling Vector:D _(c) =V _(RMSp) _(i) i V _(RMS) _(ni) (−i)+V _(RMS)_(pj) (j)+V _(RMS) _(nj) (−j)  Equation 1:

After calculating the directional vector using Equation 1, the vector(|Mag|=1) may be normalized to find the true direction of the detectedsignal, according to Equation 2 below.

Equation2: $\begin{matrix}{{{Unit}{vector}:{Dir}_{c}} = \frac{\overset{arrow}{D_{c}}}{❘\overset{\longrightarrow}{D_{c}}❘}} & ( {{Eqn}.{- 2}} )\end{matrix}$

Knowing the true direction, in an embodiment, a directionally-orientedwarning notification may be issued as follows. For example, in anembodiment arranged as shown in FIG. 6 , one or more LEDs may be placedin alignment with each of the antennas 602. By decomposing the truedirectional vector into respective normalized directional components, adirection of an energized surface may be displayed to a user by varyingthe brightness, power status, and/or intensity of the one or more LEDsassigned to respective antennas 602. The adjustment of the LED status isbased on the calculation results, which may be determined as shown inEquations 3-6 below. Note, in Equations 3-6, Re corresponds to the icomponent of the vector and Im corresponds to the j component.

(Re(Dir_(c))>0)LED_(pi)Intensity=Re(Dir_(c))[%];elseLED_(pi)Intensity=0  Equation 3:

if (Re(Dir_(c))<0)LED_(ni)Intensity=Re(Dir_(c))[%];elseLED_(ni)Intensity=0  Equation 4:

if (Im(Dir_(c))>0)LED_(pj)Intensity=Im(Dir_(c))[%];elseLED_(pj)Intensity=0  Equation 5:

if (Im(Dir_(c))<0)LED_(nj)Intensity=Im(Dir_(c))[%]; elseLED_(nj)Intensity=0  Equation 6:

Additional Illustrative Embodiments of an Energy Detection WarningDevice

Additionally, and/or alternatively, as explained above, an energydetection warning device may be structured in various forms depending onuse (e.g., manually portable, vehicle transported, location on body forwearable embodiments, etc.). In FIG. 7 , a wearable embodiment of anenergy detection warning device 700 is depicted as worn by a user,secured to the brim of a hat 702. Also depicted is a view of the device700 attached to the hat 702 from a bottom side of the hat 702. As shown,the device 700 may have a curved structure along a front side thatcompliments the curvature of the brim of the hat 702. Further, as placedon the brim of the hat 702, the device 700 is positioned directly in theuser's line of sight, which may assist the user in confirming thedirection in which the device 700 may indicate is the direction of anenergized conductor upon issuing a warning notification.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the energy detection warning device700. Device 700 may include a compact housing 800, sized to beunobstructive to a user's main line of sight, as well as easilyportable. At the exterior of the housing 800, one or more downwardfacing LEDs 802 may protrude, completely or partially (i.e., one side orthe other), from a bottom side of device 700, as depicted, or may beflush with housing 800 (not shown). LEDs 802 may be included as a visualwarning notification component and may be white and/or one or morecolors. The one or more LEDs 800 may align with the curvature of thedevice 700, so as to also align with the brim of the hat. As describedabove, the LEDs 802 may be used to communicate information regarding thethreat level, threat type (high voltage, or high current), and locationof the source to the user, upon initiation of a warning notification.

Housing 800 may also include a toggle 804, such as a pushbutton (shown)or other type of toggle switch. Toggle 804 may be used to power on oroff the device 700, and/or act as an interactive member with one or morefunctions such as: muting alerts, checking battery life status,adjusting alert sensitivity, etc. Multiple functions may beaccomplished, for example, by differing button hold-times, differingnumbers of consecutive toggling, pressing on different sides/areas ofthe toggle 804, etc. Housing 700 may also include one or more fasteningmechanisms 806 (e.g., a first fastening mechanism 806(1) and a secondfastening mechanism 806(2)), such as the biased, living hinge clipsshown, which curl against the top side of housing 800 to attach thedevice 700 to the brim of a hat or other similarly sized frame forattachment. That is, the bias of the living hinge clips may be such thatthe amount of flexure is sufficient to allow a brim of a hat to beinserted between the top of the housing 800 and the clips, while uponrelease, the clips are flexed in a clamping position. It is contemplatedthat alternative suitable fastening mechanisms may be used in lieu ofthe living hinge clips shown.

In FIG. 9 , a top view, a bottom view, and a side view of the device 700is shown. The side view depicts a connection port 900 via which device700 may be charged and/or via which data may be transferred to or frommemory in device 700 may be accessed. Connection port 900 may be anytype of port suitable to charge a battery and/or access data. Forexample, connection port 900 may be a micro-B USB 3.0 connector, but isnot limited to such.

As seen in the schematic view of FIG. 10 , an embodiment of an energydetection warning device 700 may have additional sensor hardwareincluding an accelerometer 1000 and a high-sensitivity 3-axismagnetometer 1002 that is paired with a high-permeability 3-axis fluxconcentrator 1004 used to measure the magnetic field in a field signal.In FIG. 11 , additional sensor hardware may include a sensor 1100 tomeasure the electric field in a field signal. Also depictedschematically is a battery pack 1102, such as a rechargeable lithium ionpolymer battery pack. Other types of battery packs may be suitable. FIG.11 further illustrates: a microcontroller 1104 for controlling device700; a battery charging circuit 1106 via which the battery pack 1102 maybe charged; and one or more speakers 1108 via which audible warningnotifications may be issued. The one or more speakers 1108 may include avariety of speakers, such as for example, a piezo-electric speaker.

Additional Illustrative Embodiments of Directional Sensing for a WarningDevice

FIG. 12 illustrates three variations of electric field antennaconfigurations 1200A, 1200B, and 1200C that may be used as electricfield sensors. Configuration 1200A depicts a sensor 1202, like thesensor 1100 shown in FIG. 11 , which is a capacitively-coupled PCBparallel-plate antenna. Configuration 1200B depicts an embodiment of asensor 1204 of a tri-parallel-plate capacitive electric field antenna.Configuration 1200C depicts an embodiment of a sensor 1206 of acapacitively-coupled PCB pad array antenna.

Sensor 1202 shown in configuration 1200A is a single directionally-tunedPCB capacitive antenna. In an embodiment, sensor 1202 may include twoPCB conductive parallel-plates 1202(1), 1202(2) that are shorted throughan impedance 1208. An AC electric field excites charge to bere-distributed back-and-fourth on the parallel-plates 1202(1), 1202(2),traveling through the shorted impedance 1208. The charge flowing throughthe impedance 1208 may generate a measurable AC voltage 1210, whichcorresponds to the measured electric field. Sensor 1202 yields a maximummeasured AC voltage 1210 when the parallel-plates 1202(1), 1202(2) areoriented perpendicularly to electric field lines. Therefore, theorientation, of an energy detection warning device using a sensor 1202,at which the maximum peak voltage is measured may indicate the directionof an energized conductor with respect to the device.

As indicated above, with parallel-plate antennas, a maximum inducedvoltage may be detected when the electric field from an energizedconductor is emanating in a direction substantially perpendicular to thelengthwise direction of extension of the parallel plates. Further, anelectric field that is emanating in a direction substantially parallelor aligned with the lengthwise direction of extension of theparallel-plates may not induce a voltage. Thus, it is contemplated thatin some instances when using sensor 1202, a situation may occur wherethe device may not accurately detect the presence or location of anelectric field, for example, when the direction of the electric field isoriented parallel with the direction of extension of the antenna.

Accordingly, in an alternative embodiment, an energy detection warningdevice may include sensor 1204 of configuration 1200B of atri-parallel-plate capacitive electric field antenna. In contrast tosensor 1202, sensor 1204 implements three capacitively-coupled PCBparallel-plate antennas, each of which functions similarly as describedwith respect to sensor 1202 above. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG.13 , by orienting each of a set of three parallel-plate antennasperpendicularly to each other, regardless of the emanating direction, atleast one of the parallel-plate antennas may detect a nearby electricfield, as the electric field cannot be parallel with all three antennasat the same time. Therefore, using sensor 1204, and assuming an electricfield is detected by at least two of the three parallel-plate antennas(see graph 1300), the directional angle from which the detected electricfield emanated may be determined by calculating the arctangent of thequotient of the detected RMS magnitudes between two of the threeparallel-plate antennas with respect to a plane between the two antennas(see graph 1302, and see Equation 7 below).

Equation7:$\theta_{D} = {\tan^{- 1}( \frac{❘V_{Ay}❘}{❘V_{Ax}❘} )}$

In another alternative embodiment, an energy detection warning devicemay implement configuration 1200C with sensor 1206. As stated above,sensor 1206 may include a capacitively-coupled PCB pad array antenna,which uses a plurality of arranged pads 1212 instead of parallel-plates.In sensor 1206, the potential difference created by the electric fieldamong the array of pads 1212 may be measured. Upon detection of anelectric field, the measured RMS voltage values detected by the variouspads 1212 may be analyzed, and since the pads closer to the energizedconductor may experience a slightly larger induced voltage than padspositioned further away, a general indication of the direction of thelocation of the energized conductor may be determined according to theposition of the pads in the array.

Regardless of which embodiment of electric field sensor is selected, acomponent that may assist in locating the energized conductor is theaccelerometer 1000, mentioned above. In an embodiment, the accelerometer1000 is used for measuring the roll and the pitch of the warning device,when worn on a user's hat. The roll and pitch measurements may be usedfor tilt-compensated heading calculations to achieve reliable compassdegrees-heading measurements with any roll or pitch changes. Further,tilt-compensated heading calculations may be used for voltagedirectional-sensing techniques, which match electric-field peaks to thedegrees-heading as a user, when wearing the warning device on a hat,sweeps his or her head back-and-fourth naturally.

Turning to detection of a magnetic field, as stated above, an energydetection warning device may include a high-sensitivity 3-axismagnetometer paired with a high-permeability 3-axis flux concentrator,for example. FIG. 14 depicts a simulation 1400 of a magnetic field 1402as affected by a digital magnetometer 1404 and a flux concentrator 1406,according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure. Using digitalmagnetometer 1404 and flux concentrator 1406 to focus the magnetic fluxinto the sensor area of digital magnetometer 1404, the vectorinformation of the magnetic field may be calculated.

Accordingly, an energy detection warning device may incorporate both anelectric field sensor and a magnetic field sensor, and may usemeasurements from one or both sensors to provide a user with anapproximate direction of the location of an energized conductor withrespect to the location and orientation of the device.

Additional Illustrative Embodiments of Directional Sensing for a WarningDevice

With respect to FIG. 15 , a user 1500 may wear a wearable embodiment ofan energy detection warning device on a brim of a hat, as shown, whileworking. In an event where user 1500 is unaware of an energizedconductor 1502 that may be hidden, the device may assist user 1500 indetecting and locating the energized conductor 1502 while the user 1500scans an area with natural rotation and tilting of the user's head,either while at rest or walking. For example, in an embodiment, awarning device may measure a largest RMS voltage value when the deviceand user are looking directly in the direction of the energizedconductor 1502. Thus, as the user's head turns side-to-side orup-and-down, the magnitude of the measured electric field may be at apeak when looking directly at the point of closest contact on theenergized conductor 1502. This peak in electric field magnitude isassociated with a tilt-compensated degree-heading (see graph 1504, forexample) or a degree-pitch (see graph 1506, for example) value, whichdepends on whether the user's head was turning side-to-side orup-and-down.

Referring to FIG. 16 , in an embodiment, the microcontroller maydetermine a direction of the energized conductor using a mealy finitestate machine 1600 to recognize the peak pattern. Inputs to the statemachine 1600 may include: the slope of the measured electric fieldmagnitude (“dE/dt”), time (“t”), tilt-compensated degrees heading (“H”)(hereinafter “degrees heading”, and pitch (“P”). The slope of themeasured electric field may be calculated using a bar-array 1602 forimproved calculation stability where the slope is calculated as Equation8 below, where “first” and “last” are the first and last elements in thememory array.

dE/dt=E[First]−E[Last]/(t[First]−t[Last])  Equation 8:

Starting in state 1 S₁, the state machine 1600 remains in state 1 S₁until the slope dE/dt to cross an activation threshold TH 1604. When theslope dE/dt crosses the activation threshold TH, the state machine 1600advances from state 1 S₁ to state 2 S₂.

At the beginning of state 2 S₂, a starting timestamp (t_start), astarting degrees heading (heading_start), and a starting pitch(pitch_start) are saved in memory. At this point, the positive peak 1606and zero-crossing 1608 of the slope dE/dt are saved in the memory. Thezero-crossing of the slope dE/dt corresponds to the peak of the electricfield magnitude (i.e., slope is zero at the peak). At the point that theslope dE/dt reaches zero-crossing, the value of each of the degreesheading 1610 and pitch 1612 at that instant are associated with thatpoint, as the degrees heading 1610 and the pitch 1612 relate to thedirection of the energized conductor. At the point that the slope dE/dtis less than a negative value of the activation threshold TH (i.e.,−(TH)), the state machine 1600 advances from state 2 S₂ to state 3 S₃.In the event, however, the state machine 1600 remains idle in state 2 S₂for more than a time period T_(timeout) from t_start(t_now−t_start>T_(timeout)), the state machine 1600 times out and isreset, reverting from state 2 S₂ to state 1 S₁.

In state 3 S₃, the negative peak 1614 of the slope dE/dt is evaluated.During the evaluation, if the negative peak 1614 for the slope dE/dt isevaluated to be less than a calculated value of −0.75*dE/dt*positivepeak, the state machine 1600 advances from state 3 S₃ to state 4 S₄. Inthe event, however, the state machine 1600 remains idle in state 3 S₃for more than a time period T_(timeout) from t_start(t_now−t_start>T_(timeout)), the state machine 1600 times out and isreset, reverting from state 3 S₃ to state 1 S₁.

In state 4 S₄, the state machine 1600 is configured to verify whetherthe electric field magnitude peak was due to head movement and not adifferent action. During stage 4 S₄, a change in degrees heading (“4H”)1616 and a change in pitch (“ΔP”) 1618 are measured. In the event thateither of the change in degrees heading 1616 or the change in pitch 1618becomes larger than activation degrees heading and pitch thresholds(i.e., H_TH and P_TH), respectively, the state machine 1600 advancesfrom state 4 S₄ to state 5 S₅. In the event, however, the slope dE/dtrises above the negative value of the activation threshold −(TH), thestate machine 1600 is reset, reverting from state 4 Sato state 1 S₁.

In state 5 S₅, the degrees heading 1610 or pitch 1612 to the energizedconductor is confirmed and updated in firmware as the value that wasrecorded when the slope dE/dt reached zero-crossing 1608 in state 2 S₂.After completion of recording the degrees heading 1610 or pitch 1612,the state machine 1600 is reset, reverting from state 5 S₅ back to state1 S₁.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, in an embodiment of the energydetection warning device, the approximate direction of an energizedconductor may also be determined using magnetic field measurements. Withrespect to FIG. 17 , the magnetic field 1700 for an energized conductor1702 (e.g., a live power line as shown) that is carrying current, isfound using the right-hand rule and can be drawn as a circle around theenergized conductor 1702, where the magnetic field 1700 is alwaysperpendicular to the energized conductor 1702.

In an embodiment of the warning device that includes a high-resolution3-axis magnetic field sensor (as discussed above), the time-varying ACmagnetic field signals 1704 created from the energized conductor 1702are measured. The measured outputs of a 3-axis magnetometer may includeX-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis time-varying sinusoidal magnetic field data1704. The magnetic field Y-axis AC RMS value 1706 corresponds to theY-axis vector component of the magnetic field vector B 1708, where anegative sign is added to axis components 180-degrees out of phase 1710with the reference axis, where the x-axis is chosen as the referenceaxis. Similarly, the magnetic field X-axis and Z-axis AC RMS componentscorrespond to the magnetic field vector 1708 components X and Z,respectively.

In the event the magnetic field Z-axis RMS component is larger than theY-axis or X-axis component, the energized conductor 1702 may be sensedas oriented horizontally. In contrast, in the event that either of themagnetic field X-axis or Y-axis RMS component is larger than the Z-axiscomponent, the energized conductor 1702 may be sensed as orientedvertically.

The direction vector D 1712, which represents the direction to theenergized conductor, may be determined by taking the magnetic field andprojecting it onto the x-y axis. This yields a dual-direction vector,where vector D 1712 could be one of two directional vectors (B1, B2)which are 180 degrees out of phase. To determine vector D 1712, fielddata on a range of heading is saved. Of the active range of data saved,the range is split in half and the areas (A1,A2) under the magneticfield data curve may be calculated, as shown in graph 1712 a. Whicheverhalf has a greater area may determine which directional vector is thetrue direction. Additionally, the degrees heading 1714 and pitch 1716 tothe energized conductor 1702 may be calculated as the arctangent of thequotient of the X-axis component divided by the Y-axis component, aswell as the arctangent of the quotient of the Z-axis component dividedby the Y-axis component of the direction vector 1712, respectively.

Illustrative Embodiment of a Method of the Warning Device

In FIG. 18 , an embodiment of a control flow diagram 1800 isillustrated, according to an embodiment. The control flow diagram 1800describes how an energy detection warning device may process informationfrom the sensors, determines how to communicate risk information to auser, issues warning information using notification system hardware tothe user, optimizes battery life, and obtains and communicates relevantsafety information to a cloud-based server. In general, themicrocontroller may: digitize the analog outputs from the sensors,convert AC electric and magnetic field values to DC equivalent RMSvalues, compare these values to alert thresholds based onuser-controllable sensitivity settings, uses the notification hardwareto issue audible, visual, and tactile alerts based on the threat leveland the direction to the source, etc. The method may further optimizebattery life by putting the warning device into a low-power sleep statewhen not being used (e.g., not being moved or using accelerometer), aswell as when the strength of any environmental electric field andmagnetic field is below a safe threshold.

In an embodiment, an energy detection warning device may implement a“Wake-and-Sense” process, which may extend the battery life whilesimultaneously allowing the device to be powered on substantiallycontinuously. For example, the processor and hardware may be run in alow-power sleep state during at least a portion of the time when thewarning device is in a safe environment, or when the warning device isnot in service as intended, which may depend on the particularembodiment, whether wearable, transportable, etc., and is stationary foran extended amount of time. Further, when measured field (electric andmagnetic) values are below a sleep-threshold, such as a normal ambientfield, a warning device may be configured to sleep for a time periodT_(sleep), wake up according to a predetermined periodic cycle, andsense/observe the environment for a dangerous electric or magnetic fieldfor a time T_(awake). During the awake time, if the measured fieldsremain below a safe threshold, the warning device may return to sleepfor a period of time T_(sleep). However, if, during the awake time, themeasured field values are rising and cross over the safe threshold, thewarning device becomes fully powered, waking up, and begins tracking thehistorical field signal magnitudes and determines whether to issuewarning signals, for example, when signal magnitudes cross the alertthresholds.

Accordingly, an embodiment of method 1800 according to the instantdisclosure, may include a step of waking up 1802. In step 1804, the RMSvalues of the environmental electric and/or magnetic fields may becalculated. With the RMS values calculated in step 1804, the values maybe compared to predetermined alert/warning threshold values as step1806. As indicated above, if it is determined in step 1806, that thecalculated RMS value is greater than the alert threshold, then adetermination is made in step 1808 of whether there is enoughinformation to issue directional alerts. If there is not enoughinformation, then the method 1800 advances to step 1810, in which alertsmay be issued in a proximity mode. In the proximity mode, the warningdevice detects a field having a significant threat level of an energizedconductor, however, the information is insufficient to also indicate thedirection of the energized conductor. In step 1808, however, in theevent there is enough information for a directional alert, method 1800advances to step 1812, in which a warning alert may be issued indirectional mode, via which the warning device may indicate to a userthe approximate directional location of an energized conductor. Aftereither step 1810 and/or step 1812, the method 1800 may be configured torevert to step 1804 (i.e., the warning device is silenced or the alarmduration expires as the device adapts to the detected field levels), andthe warning device is reset to be available to begin determining whetherto issue another alert, as previously discussed.

Turning back to method step 1806, in the event that the calculated RMSfield value is below the alert threshold, method 1800 may bypass steps1808, 1810, and 1812, advancing directly to step 1814. In step 1814, thewarning device may sleep for the predetermined time period T_(sleep),before cycling back to step 1802, at which point, the warning devicewakes up.

Illustrative Embodiment of Self-Test for a Warning Device

In an embodiment, an energy detection warning device may further beconfigured to execute a self-test to ensure proper functionality in awork environment. For example, in some instances, a warning device mayinclude a secondary PCB antenna disposed proximate to a primary antenna.The secondary antenna may apply a 60 Hz square-wave (PWM) signal, whichcouples to the primary antenna for verification of correcthardware/firmware behavior. Furthermore, in an internal self-test on themagnetometer, a PCB coil around the magnetometer may generate a smallmagnetic field, which the sensor reads. Moreover, in an embodiment, theself-test may be periodically issued. In the event that a sensor failureis discovered, the warning device may enter a failure/mode state, duringwhich time the notification hardware may issue one or more warnings. Forexample, the warning device may be programmed to have LED indictorsilluminated red in the event of failure to pass the self-test.

Example Implementation of Directional Sensing Process

With respect to the schematics and graphs (1900 a-1900 e) depicted inFIG. 19 , the following description explains an example of a directionalsensing process according to an embodiment of the instant application.The following process steps or phases may occur, for example, when auser approaches an energized conductor while wearing an energy detectionwarning device, during which time, the warning device is takingmeasurements of the ambient electric and/or magnetic fields.

Initial Action Trigger: In response to a measured field |E| crossing anactivation threshold, a directional sensing process is time-latched ONfor 10 s, for example. Upon activation, the starting heading h_(st) issaved in a memory of the device. While the process is active, the field|E| is associated with the current degrees heading by saving the valuesin an array with 360 elements, where the n-th element represents thefield magnitude at that degree heading (0 to 360 degrees). Note, in anembodiment, the full heading range (0 to 360 degrees) may be partitionedin a range of 2 degrees to 5 degrees, for example, per n-th element tooptimize processing efficiency. Additionally, electric field magnitudesmay be saved to the array element (corresponding to the currentdirection) using an IIR filter, not overwritten. Furthermore, arrayelements may be slowly depreciated equally until the respective valuesare zero.

Subsequent Action Trigger: The process continues to add data to thearray until a range in degrees of information has been captured (e.g.,20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, etc.). In response to the differencebetween the starting heading and the current heading Δh becoming greaterthan h_TH, the activation range threshold (e.g., 20 degrees, 30 degrees,40 degrees, etc.), the device is configured to check the data set for anelectric field peak condition, which may represent a direction to afield source (i.e., energized conductor).

Peak and AVG Calculated: If Δh>30 deg, for example, the process maycontinue by scanning through the data set looking at the active range,which are values above a certain threshold signifying data at thelocation was recorded. While scanning through the data, the peak and AVGare determined. The AVG of the data-set is calculated to measure howdrastic the bell-curve is, for process reliability, for example.Generally, for relatively small disturbances in the data-set, it isunnecessary to trigger a warning notification. As such, (peak>X*AVG) isan activation control term.

Peak Condition: In response to locating the peak, the process may verifythe peak condition by validating a positive slope to the left of thepeak and a negative slope to the right of the peak. In an embodiment,the slopes may be determined using the following:E_per_deg[n_mode]−E_per_deg[n_mode−5]>0 (must be greater than zero)(or >slope_TH) and E_per_deg[n_mode]−E_per_deg[n_mode+5]<0 (must be lessthan zero) (or <slope_TH).

Example Uses of Smart Data Tracking with Warning Device

As discussed above, the energy detection warning device may includememory and data transmission hardware and/or software to allowcommunication with the device at any time. This transmission may beachieved by any suitable means known for intercommunication betweenother electronic devices (e.g., phone, smart vehicle connections,tablet, laptop, etc.), including but not limited to: Bluetooth®, digitalcellular data transfer, wired, wireless, radio wave, li-fi, wi-fi, etc.

In an embodiment, for example, while a user may be alerted to thepresence of an energized conductor, the device may also, immediately orat a later time, transmit a notice of the detection to a parent companyfor analysis. An immediate and automatic notification may assist acompany in providing urgent care in the case of an accident occurringsubsequent to the notification, for example if a user is hurt and unableto physically notify someone. Such data may be visible in aggregate aswell, and may be used to determine: employee and/or team and/ormanagerial behavior characteristics/trends, whether good or bad;frequency of users being placed in dangerous situations; risk reduction;cost reduction; improvement opportunities for safety and efficiencyefforts; frequency of situations that nearly ended in accidents;geographically-based trends with respect to risk and employee behavior,as well as user location tracking and compromised equipment tagging;communication connectivity challenged areas for improvement; work timetracking, whether to determine inactivity or over-activity; supplementneeds of workers instantaneously (e.g., send help/senior employees asneeded); whether users are properly using the device (e.g., is the hardhat being worn?); length of exposure to risk-filled environments (e.g.,EMF, poor weather, cramped locations, etc.); efficiency improvements;etc.

Example Clauses

A: A device, comprising: a housing; one or more lighting elementsdisposed within the housing; one or more speakers disposed within thehousing; at least one of a voltage detector or a current detectordisposed within the housing; one or more processors; and one or morecomputer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed, causethe one or more processors to perform operations including: receivingsensor data from the at least one of the voltage detector or the currentdetector, determining, based at least in part on the sensor data, toissue an alert, and causing at least one of: a first indicationassociated with the alert to be output via the one or more lightingelements, or a second indication associated with the alert to be outputvia the one or more speakers.

B: The device of paragraph A, wherein the one or more lighting elementsare configured to output the first indication via a first side of thehousing, and wherein the device further comprises: a battery disposedwithin the housing; and a charging port located on a second side of thehousing.

C: The device of paragraph A or B, further comprising one or morefastening mechanisms, the one or more fastening mechanisms being atleast partially disposed over a first side of the housing that isopposite a second side of the housing in which the first indication isoutput.

D: The device of any of paragraphs A-C, wherein the one or morefastening mechanisms are configured to secure the device to a bill of ahardhat.

E: The device of any of paragraphs A-D, further comprising one or morenetwork interfaces, and the operations further including sending, viathe one or more network interfaces, a third indication to an additionaldevice associated with the alert.

F: The device of any of paragraphs A-E, the operations further includingreceiving additional data associated with at least one of: firstsettings for the at least one of the voltage detector or the currentdetector; second settings for the first indication output via the one ormore lighting elements; or third settings for the second indicationoutput via the one or more speakers.

G: The device of any of paragraphs A-F, wherein at least one of thefirst indication or the second indication is indicative of at least oneof: a directionality of a detected voltage or a current; or an intensityof the detected voltage or the current.

H: The device of any of paragraphs A-G, further comprising a buttonassociated with controlling one or more settings of the device.

I: A device, comprising: a housing including: a first side, a secondside opposite the first side, and a third side located between the firstside and the second side; a first fastening mechanism including: a firstportion extending from at least one of the second side or the thirdside, and a second portion extending transversely from the first portionand being disposed at least partially over the second side; a secondfastening mechanism including: a third portion extending from the atleast one of the second side or the third side, and a fourth portionextending transversely from the third portion and being disposed atleast partially over the second side; one or more sensors disposedwithin the housing and configured to generate sensor data indicative ofat least one of a voltage or current detected in proximity to thedevice; and one or more lighting elements disposed within the housingand configured to output light in a direction towards the first side,the light being indicative of the at least one of the voltage or thecurrent detected in proximity to the device.

J: The device of paragraph I, further comprising one or more speakersdisposed within the housing, wherein the one or more speakers areconfigured to output audio indicative of the at least one of the voltageor the current detected in proximity to the device.

K: The device of paragraph I or J, wherein: the light output by the oneor more lighting elements is indicative of at least one of: adirectionality of the at least one of the voltage or the current, or anintensity of the at least one of the voltage or the current; and theaudio output by the one or more speakers is indicative of at least oneof: the directionality of the at least one of the voltage or thecurrent, or the intensity of the at least one of the voltage or thecurrent.

L: The device of any of paragraphs I-K, further comprising one or moreribs disposed on the second side of the housing.

M: The device of any of paragraphs I-L, further comprising one or morenetwork interfaces that are configured to communicatively couple thedevice to one or more additional devices.

N: The device of any of paragraphs I-M, wherein the device is configuredto: receive, via the one or more network interfaces, first dataassociated with the light to be output by the one or more lightingelements responsive to the at least one of the voltage or the currentdetected in proximity to the device; and transmit, via the one or morenetwork interfaces, second data associated with: the sensor data, or anindication of the at least one of the voltage or the current detected inproximity to the device.

O: The device of any of paragraphs I-N, wherein: the first fasteningmechanism and the second fastening mechanism are configured to securethe device to a hardhat; when secured to the hardhat, a bill of thehardhat is interposed between the second portion of the first fasteningmechanism and the second side of the housing; and when secured to thehardhat, the bill of the hardhat is interposed between the fourthportion of the second fastening mechanism and the second side of thehousing.

P: A device, comprising: a housing; one or more sensors configured todetect at least one of a voltage or a current in proximity to thedevice; one or more lighting elements configured to output lightresponsive to the one or more sensors detecting the at least one of thevoltage or the current in proximity to the device; one or more speakersconfigured to output audio responsive to the one or more sensorsdetecting the at least one of the voltage or the current in proximity tothe device; one or more network interfaces configured to communicativelycouple the device to one or more additional devices; and one or morefastening mechanisms configured to secure the device to a surface.

Q: The device of paragraph P, wherein at least one of: the light outputby the one or more lighting elements is indicative of at least one of: adirectionality of the at least one of the voltage or the current, or anintensity of the at least one of the voltage or the current; and theaudio output by the one or more speakers is indicative of at least oneof: the directionality of the at least one of the voltage or thecurrent, or the intensity of the at least one of the voltage or thecurrent.

R: The device of paragraph P or Q, wherein: the housing includes: afirst side, and a second side that is opposite the second side; thelight output by the one or more lighting elements is output at leastpartially on the first side; at least a portion of the one or morefastening mechanisms is disposed over the second side; and the surfaceis secured between the second side and the at least the portion of theone or more fastening mechanisms.

S: The device of any of paragraphs P-R, wherein: the housing furtherincludes: a third side extending between the first side and the secondside, a fourth side, and a fifth side opposite the fourth side; and thethird side curves between the fourth side and the fifth side.

T: The device of any of paragraphs P-S, wherein the one or morefastening mechanisms include clips that are biasable.

CONCLUSION

Although several embodiments have been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features oracts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed asillustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: one or more sensors; one ormore processors; and one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediastoring instructions that, when executed, cause the one or moreprocessors to perform operations comprising: receiving, from the one ormore sensors, first data, determining, based at least in part on thefirst data, at least one of a first current or a first voltage,determining that the at least one of the first current or the firstvoltage satisfies a first threshold, causing, based at least in part onthe at least one of the first current or the first voltage satisfyingthe first threshold, output of a notification, receiving, from the oneor more sensors, second data, determining, based at least in part on thesecond data, at least one of a second current or a second voltage,determining at least one of: a first similarity between the firstcurrent and the second current, or a second similarity between the firstvoltage and the second voltage; and determining, based at least in parton the at least one first similarity or the second similarity, a secondthreshold that is different than the first threshold.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, the operations further comprising: receiving, from the one ormore sensors, third data; determining, based at least in part on thethird data, at least one of a third current or a third voltage;determining that the at least one of the third current or the thirdvoltage satisfies the second threshold; and causing, based at least inpart on the at least one of the third current or the third voltagesatisfying the second threshold, output of one of: the notification, ora second notification that is different than the notification.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, the operations further comprising: receiving, fromthe one or more sensors, third data; determining, based at least in parton the third data, at least one of a third current or a third voltage;determining that the at least one of the third current or the thirdvoltage fails to satisfy the second threshold; causing, based at leastin part on the at least one of the third current or the third voltagefailing to satisfy the second threshold, one of: output of thenotification to terminate, or output of a second notification that isdifferent than the notification.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein thefirst similarity is determined over a period of time and the secondsimilarity is determined over a period of time, the operations furthercomprising: determining that at least one of: the first similaritysatisfies a first threshold similarity over the period of time, or thesecond similarity satisfies a second threshold similarity over theperiod of time, wherein the second threshold is based at least in parton determining that the at least one of the first similarity satisfiesthe first threshold similarity or the second similarity satisfies thesecond threshold similarity
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein: thedevice includes at least one of: a lighting element, or a speaker; andcausing output of the notification comprises at least one of: causingthe lighting element to output light, or causing the speaker to outputsound.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein: determining the firstsimilarity comprises determining a first amount of change associated thefirst current and the second current; determining the second similaritycomprises determining a second amount of change associated the firstvoltage and the second voltage; and determining that at least one of thefirst amount of change or the second amount of change is less than athird threshold, wherein determining the second threshold is based atleast in part on the at least one of the first amount of change or thesecond amount of change being less than the third threshold.
 7. A devicecomprising: one or more sensors; one or more processors; and one or morenon-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, whenexecuted, cause the one or more processors to perform operationscomprising: receiving, from the one or more sensors, data associatedwith an energized conductor; determining, based at least in part on thedata, at least one of a current or a voltage associated with theenergized conductor; causing, based at least in part on the at least oneof the current or the voltage, output of a first notification;determining at least one of: a first amount of change associated withthe current over a period of time, or a second amount of changeassociated with the voltage over the period of time; determining that atleast one of: the first amount of change is less than a first threshold,or the second amount of change is less than a second threshold; andcausing output of a second notification that is different than the firstnotification.
 8. The device of claim 7, the operations furthercomprising: determining that at least one of: the current is greaterthan a threshold current, or the voltage is greater than a thresholdvoltage, wherein causing output of the first notification is based atleast in part on the at least one of the current being greater than thethreshold current or the voltage being greater than the thresholdvoltage.
 9. The device of claim 7, the operations further comprising:determining at least one of: a third amount of change associated withthe current over a second period of time that is at least partiallyafter the first period of time, or a fourth amount of change associatedwith the voltage over the second period of time; and causing output ofat least one of: the second notification, or a third notification thatis different than the second notification.
 10. The device of claim 7,the operations further comprising determining at least one of: athreshold current based at least in part on the first amount of changebeing less than the first threshold; or a threshold voltage based atleast in part on the second amount of change being less than the secondthreshold.
 11. The device of claim 10, the operations furthercomprising: receiving, from the one or more sensors, second dataassociated with the energized conductor; determining, based at least inpart on the second data, at least one of a second current or a secondvoltage associated with the energized conductor; and determining that atleast one of: the second current is greater than the threshold current,or the second voltage is greater than the threshold voltage.
 12. Thedevice of claim 7, wherein: the first notification is associated with atleast one of: a first sound output by the device, or a first lightoutput by the device; and the second notification is associated with atleast one of: a second sound output by the device, the second soundbeing different than the first sound, or a second light output by thedevice, the second light being different than the first light.
 13. Thedevice of claim 7, the operations further comprising receiving seconddata associated with at least one of the first amount of change or thesecond amount of change.
 14. A method comprising: receiving first dataassociated with an energized conductor; determining, based at least inpart on the data, at least one first characteristic of the energizedconductor; determining a first threshold for outputting notificationsassociated with the energized conductor; determining that the at leastone first characteristic satisfies a first threshold; causing, based atleast in part on the at least one first characteristic satisfying thefirst threshold, output of a first notification; receiving second dataassociated with the energized conductor; determining, based at least inpart on the second data, at least one second characteristic of theenergized conductor; determining a difference between the at least onefirst characteristic and the at least one second characteristic;determining that the difference fails to satisfy a second threshold;causing, based at least in part on the difference failing to satisfy thesecond threshold, output of a second notification that is different thanthe first notification; and determining a third threshold for outputtingnotifications associated with the energized conductor.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising determining that the difference fails tosatisfy the second threshold over a period of time, and wherein causingoutput of the second notification is based at least in part ondetermining that the difference failing to satisfy the second thresholdover the period of time.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:receiving third data associated with the energized conductor;determining, based at least in part on the third data, at least onethird characteristic of the energized conductor; determining that the atleast one third characteristic fails to satisfy the third threshold; andcausing output of the second notification.
 17. The method of claim 14,further comprising: receiving third data associated with the energizedconductor; determining, based at least in part on the third data, atleast one third characteristic of the energized conductor; determiningthat the at least one third characteristic satisfies the thirdthreshold; and causing output of a third notification that is differentthan the second notification.
 18. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising: receiving third data associated with the energizedconductor; determining, based at least in part on the third data, atleast one third characteristic of the energized conductor; determining asecond difference between the at least one second characteristic and theat least one third characteristic; determining that the seconddifference fails to satisfy a fourth threshold; and causing, based atleast in part on the different failing to satisfy the fourth threshold,output of a third notification that is different than the secondnotification; and
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least onefirst characteristic or the at least one second characteristic areassociated with at least one of a current or a voltage.
 20. The methodof claim 14, wherein: the first notification is associated with at leastone of: a first sound, or a first light; and the second notification isassociated with at least one of: a second sound that is different thanthe first sound, or a second light that is different than the firstlight.